COVID-19 vaccine information hub

As Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination roll-out ramps up, SHPA’s COVID-19 vaccine information hub features timely hospital pharmacy education and clinical guidance, federal, state and territory government and international resources, and all other relevant information as it comes to hand. 

• COVID-19 vaccine member forum
• Australian Government COVID-19 vaccine information and resources
• State and Territory Government COVID-19 vaccine information
• Resources for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy
• Events
• Listen: Conversation with Cleveland Clinic on US vaccine logistics

COVID-19 vaccine member forum

SHPA's new member-only discussion forum aims to support Australia’s hospital pharmacists in their central role in the safe and secure administration of COVID-19 vaccinations. The forum enables members to join conversations, seek vaccine-related insights and information and access the latest shared resources.

Please note: Access to the vaccine forum is through self-enrolment only.

Join the COVID-19 vaccine member forum →

Australian Government COVID-19 vaccine information and resources

The Australian Government will provide regular updates and communication materials in the form of stakeholder kits as more information becomes available. Subscribe to their COVID-19 vaccines updates here.

 Resources for health professionals

• COVID-19 Vaccination Policy (11 December 2020)
• Australia's vaccine agreements
• COVID-19 Vaccines National Rollout Strategy (14 January 2021)
• COVID-19 vaccines website
• Webinars for health practitioners
• First COVID-19 Vaccine – Pfizer – Training Program (8 February 2021)
• TGA's COVID-19 vaccine safety monitoring plan (9 February 2021)
• COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy (10 February 2021)

Consumer-facing resources:

• Videos – addressing topics including vaccine priority rollout, how vaccines work, the TGA approval process, vaccines development times
• Posters – how to stay informed
• Social media – vaccine rolling basis, vaccines free, vaccine protect, stay up-to-date, TGA approval process
• COVID-19 translated resources

State and Territory Government COVID-19 vaccine information

NSW State Government

NSW Health is working closely with Australian Government agencies to plan and implement a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccination program in NSW. A COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be available in Australia from late February 2021 after the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was provisionally approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for people 16 years and older. The vaccine rollout will be led and implemented by the Australian Government. See the COVID-19 Vaccination in NSW: Fact Sheet for NSW Healthcare Workers →

Northern Territory Government

The Northern Territory and  Australian Governments are working closely together with our Aboriginal and community health partners to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine to all eligible Territorians. See the NT Govt website →

Queensland Government

The Queensland Government is in charge of delivering the vaccine across Queensland and has a plan to deliver them to Queenslanders, working alongside the Australian Government. The vaccine will be rolled out in stages, over a 6 to 12-month period. We expect the rollout of the vaccine to begin in late February for the highest priority groups. See the Qld Govt website →

Government of South Australia SA Health

Making safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines available to all South Australians is a key priority for SA Health throughout 2021. SA Health is working closely with the Commonwealth Australian Government Department of Health to develop an implementation plan for South Australia in line with the Vaccine Roadmap announced by the Federal Government. See the SA Govt website →

Tasmanian Government

The Tasmanian Government is working closely with the Australian Government to plan and implement a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccination program in Tasmania. See the Tas Govt website →

Victoria State Government – Health and Human Services

Work is underway to ensure the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine is available to everyone who wants to get vaccinated, when it becomes available. See the Vic Govt website →

Government of Western Australia – Department of Health

The WA Department of Health is committed to implementing a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccination program as soon as practicable. To prepare for the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines in Western Australia, WA Health has established a COVID-19 vaccination program team to develop the implementation approach. The team comprises of a range of professionals with extensive experience in various aspects of establishing and implementing vaccination programs. The WA Department of Health will keep all Western Australians updated as the program progresses. See the WA govt COVID-19 vaccination webpage →

Resources for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy

• COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy (Australian Department of Health)
• COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women – The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG)
• COVID-19 vaccines, pregnancy and breastfeeding – Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RCOG)
• Vaccination Considerations for People who are Pregnant or Breastfeeding – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Vaccinating Pregnant and Lactating Patients Against COVID-19 – The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG)
• COVID-19 Vaccine – e-lactancia

Events

There are currently no upcoming events.

Listen: Conversation with Cleveland Clinic on US vaccine logistics

On 15 January 2021, SHPA member Duncan McKenzie joined his Royal Hobart Hospital colleague Sandra Roberts and hospital pharmacy colleagues Kaitlyn Rivard and Allison Riffle from the Cleveland Clinic in the United States to discuss their approaches to the end-to-end management of Pfizer and Moderna products.

From the complexities of cold supply chains and planning for deliveries to the importance of dry runs and makeshift ‘pizza boxes’, Kaitlyn and Allison share their experiences ensuring the secure and safe administration of COVID-19 vaccines by Cleveland Clinic staff as Australian hospital pharmacists prepare for their crucial roles at Vaccination Hubs around the country.